Featured Artist Jared Hendler's captivating portraiture delves into the influence of online culture and how it shapes our society.
His artwork reflects our collective obsession with crafting personal identities in the digital age. From those seeking connection, to individuals who have harnessed the power of social media to achieve fame, Jared's work encapsulates the essence of our time.
Jared Hendler creates his portraits from the digital feeds of those who impact our culture. The resulting compositions serve as static, analog recordings of our ever-evolving online world.
"In homage to traditional portraiture as a representation of our times, my work is a reflection of who we are now," he reflects.
Artwork Archive had the chance to chat with Jared Hendler about his creative process, the power of social media, and how Artwork Archive makes his career more manageable!
You can see more of his work on Discovery and learn more about his art practice below.
Jared Hendler, 'GOD LIVES INSIDE OF YOU', 12 x 16.5 in, 2020
In your artist statement, you mention documenting the effects of technology and social media culture on society. Could you elaborate on some specific observations or experiences you’ve encountered while doing this?
Despite social media being vilified, the seismic effects of technology and the unprecedented power and opportunity it gives to individuals, many of whom were previously marginalized or misrepresented by the mainstream press, now have a voice to reach large audiences directly.
Their cultural impact and reach through social media forces mainstream media to catch up and celebrate their impact.
On the flip side, our cultural obsession with creating our own identities has taken its toll. While some are driven by pure narcissism, the underlying human need to connect with others on some intimate level is the most interesting as it requires us to publicly expose a part of ourselves not often seen.
Your work focuses on individuals who have gained recognition and influence through online culture. How do you select the subjects for your portraits, and what criteria do you consider when deciding who to feature?
The majority of my work focuses on marginalized, creatively motivated, and influential groups who now have the opportunity to evolve and break down cultural boundaries by telling their stories directly to a global audience.
Online personalities and instigators seek connections and grow their influence by pushing the envelope of creative expression, eclipsing the previously held notion of cultural influence and celebrity.
Like many, I'm attracted to those that push cultural boundaries and pre-determined societal constructs.
What impact do you hope your artwork will have on viewers?
I hope for my artwork to foster a sense of awareness and appreciation for others. By depicting those that risk personal criticism and persecution to challenge societal norms, I aim to inspire viewers to reevaluate their own self-perception and embrace one another through creativity, inventiveness, and growth.
I also want to perpetuate the idea that all cultures can co-exist and learn from one another.
Peace is my overall goal.
What does success as an artist mean to you?
To me, success as an artist means creating work that has the ability to transform, impact, and foster a genuine appreciation for how we feel about one another as humans.
Similar to how I perceive the artwork of other artists I collect, I believe success lies in never growing tired of viewing the artwork and continuously discovering something new and meaningful each day.
Jared Hendler, 'Iris Apfel', 30 x 23 in, 2020
Why did you decide to use Artwork Archive to inventory/manage your artwork?
I had tried other systems built on databases like Excel or Filemaker, and I could not keep up with the feature set that I needed.
Being an artist is a full-time job and ... I’m not a software developer. It's simply smarter to outsource everything that's not part of your own skillset.
Artwork Archive has the ability to find assets, create Private Rooms for collectors, register sales, and keep track of prints—the benefits are endless.
How do you use Artwork Archive on a daily basis?
I utilize Artwork Archive in various ways: to catalog my artwork, locate specific assets within my body of work, create Private Viewing Rooms for collectors, register sales, and keep track of my print editions.
Jared Hendler, 'Fear and Loathing in New York', 31 x 23 in, 2020
What advice would you give an emerging artist during this time?
“Inspiration is for amateurs." This quote by Chuck Close says it all.
Inspired or not, show up every day. This is a job. Never give up.
Jared Hendler, 'How to be Lonely Together', 12 x 8.5 in, 2019
Jared Hendler uses Artwork Archive to catalog his artwork, create Private Rooms for collectors, keep track of editions, and so much more.
You can make an online portfolio, catalog your artwork, and generate reports like inventory reports, tear sheets, and invoices in seconds with Artwork Archive. Take a look at Artwork Archive's free trial and start growing your art business.
